Orion cooperates with INAB to develop potato growing model

Speaking about the cooperation and investment orientation, Mr. Jung Mun Kyo, Director of Orion Vietnam Agriculture, said that the cooperation between Orion and INAB is a model representing the cooperation between enterprises and scientific research facilities. During 18 years of cooperation, Orion and INAB have developed quality varieties. In turn, INAB has also supported Orion in connecting with cooperatives and developing more than 900 hectares of potato growing area in the North, providing technical advice on cultivation and many other supports.

Through this signing event, the company wishes to demonstrate its goodwill and commitment to the homeland potato project, increase the production of quality potatoes in Vietnam and contribute to increasing farmers' income.

The agreement is valid for 10 years and aims to further consolidate the implementation of tasks related to the production, development, supply and quality control of seed potatoes and fresh potatoes through business cooperation between the two organizations.

Since 2007, both companies have invested in researching and developing many high-quality, high-yield potato varieties. Fresh potatoes are the main ingredient used by Orion in its O'Star and Swing snack products. Thanks to its strategy of developing quality raw materials, Orion has conquered the market and become the leading potato snack manufacturer in Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Truong, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Biology, said that this strategic cooperation signing with Orion marks a new turning point after 18 years of both sides working together to support farmers in growing potatoes for snacks.

According to Mr. Truong, when cooperating with Orion, not only does the Institute have the opportunity to develop and research many new varieties suitable for the soil of each region, but it also helps farmers grow potatoes with high productivity. Farmers are not only guaranteed output but also supported with seeds, machinery and equipment during and after harvest. In particular, potatoes are a short-term crop, so they need a stable output, and when Orion guarantees their products, farmers avoid the situation of "good harvest, low price".

The collaboration between Orion and INAB has promoted the creation of the Bliss potato variety, which is widely grown in the northern provinces. In the coming time, the Institute, together with Orion Agro, will step up research to create good potato varieties for farmers in the Central Highlands and mountainous areas.

Mr. Truong said that each hectare of potatoes that farmers cultivate to supply Orion can earn a profit of 70-100 million VND (depending on the region). This also shows that this cooperation opens up a stable and sustainable agricultural production. In particular, potato cultivation brings very high efficiency to the following crops.

Through this cooperation, INAB hopes to help farmers expand their stable raw material areas. Potatoes will be purchased at a better price. Farmers will be supported with machinery, equipment, mechanization, canals, and irrigation systems for more modern farming.

To date, Orion has connected and cooperated with more than 10,000 farmers in 14 provinces and cities: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Giang, Hai Duong, Thai Binh, Dien Bien, Hoa Binh. In the Central Highlands, the company also cooperates with farmers in Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Dak Nong in many forms to provide about 20,000 tons of potatoes per year for snack production.

In parallel with the orientation of developing local potato resources, in 2016 Orion implemented a support fund called “hometown potatoes” to help farmers improve productivity and increase income. Over the past 8 years, about 1.3 billion KRW (equivalent to 25.3 billion VND) has been donated by Orion to the Institute of Agricultural Biology and farmers, through equipping agricultural machinery, seed research funds, scholarships for students, etc.

Orion Vina is a subsidiary of the Korean Orion Group, present in Vietnam since 2005. Currently, Orion operates two factories in Binh Duong and Yen Phong. Orion Vina is currently a supplier and serves the confectionery consumption needs throughout Vietnam, as well as exporting to the world with nearly 70 product lines. In addition to the famous Chocopie cake, Orion also has cookies (Gouté, Marika, deMarie,...), sponge cakes (Custas, C'est Bon,...), Snacks (O'star, Swing, Masita...). In particular, Orion's O'star snack has been recognized as the No. 1 potato snack brand in Vietnam (Nielsen data from 2016 to present).